How do I choose a bed? Consider the following factors

A comfortable bed is essential for a good night's sleep, a healthy spine and a good job. Don't buy a bed just on the basis of its appearance. Many factors should be taken into account when choosing a bed, such as functionality, materials, dimensions and stylistic features.

Expert advice will help you choose the right bed for you, but the final decision is of course up to you, based on your own preferences.

Bed size and shape

The size of the bed is a key criterion when choosing a bed, and determines how comfortably a person will sleep and rest. What size bed should I choose? The rule is simple - the biggest bed that fits in the bedroom but does not interfere with movement.

Single beds can be 80 to 100 cm wide, single beds 100 to 120 cm wide, double beds 140 cm (economy version), 160 cm (most popular models), 2 m (for large family bedrooms).

The standard bed length is 200 cm, but models over 2 metres will be more comfortable. A 2.30m king-size bed is much rarer, but it would be perfect for a large bedroom in a country estate.

It is important to consider that:

• The length of the mattress should be 15 cm longer than your height.

• The correct width setting is one where the person can lie with arms out to the sides without disturbing the partner next to them. In the case of a single bed, the user's elbows should remain on the mattress.
• There must be at least 70 cm between the bed and the wall or other furniture to allow access to the bed.
• The height of the bed is such that you can sit and get up comfortably. Ideally, your knees should be at the level of the top edge of the mattress.

When choosing the shape of your bed, it is advisable to opt for classic rectangular models. If you want to spice up your bed, original finishes on the headboard and footboard, a bright bedspread and decorative cushions can help.

Oval, round and arched beds look impressive, of course, but they're not always comfortable to sleep on, and it's hard to buy bedding - you'll have to pay for a sewing studio.

Choice of frame

If the bed is of good quality, any frame will be strong and durable. Models with backrests are considered sturdier, but furniture with legs looks more attractive.

Frame material

A sturdy frame is a guarantee of a long service life. Manufacturers produce beds in a wide range of materials, so you can choose a bed to suit any budget, style and taste.

• The most expensive is a solid wood frame. It has excellent appearance and performance. The price depends on the type of bed you choose - oak and other hardwoods are the strongest and most durable, while solid wood is inferior, but the price of the frame is much lower.
• Metal frames are the perfect choice for high-tech, provincial and classic American-style glasses. The product is very durable and long-lasting, but always cold to the touch. Welded beds are available, as well as sophisticated and elegant wrought iron models.
• The good value for money of MDF has made these beds very popular. They look just as good as wooden frames, but have a shorter lifespan.
• Wooden frames are the cheapest furniture and will not last long and will deteriorate quickly. In addition, the glue used in the manufacture of sheet materials may be based on formaldehyde, a substance that is harmful to humans.

Sheet metal frames can be laminated to successfully mimic solid wood or stone, and can also be painted, veneered, upholstered in fabric or eco-leather, giving the beds an attractive look and value.

Features of choosing a bed base

Which bed is best depends on the material and type of construction.

Grilles are thin, flexible wooden or plastic slats that bend (but do not break) under load and take on a shape that gives an orthopaedic effect and comfort to the person resting.

Metal mesh - this can be soft or rigid and lasts about 20 years, but does not contribute to a good and healthy sleep.

The spring block is a base that has long fallen out of use in bed construction because it makes the bed uncomfortable to use.

MDF and particle board construction - rare and short-lived, quickly destroyed by uneven loading of the base area by a sleeping person.

When considering a bed for the bedroom, it is advisable to choose furniture with a wooden base without a drawer underneath. This allows the mattress to be well ventilated, which prolongs its life and protects it from mould.

Galvogalis

The most visible and striking element of the bed, it not only adds a touch of glamour to the bed, supports the pillow, but also allows you to sit comfortably on the mattress while watching TV or reading a book. A bed with a slightly angled headboard is a good choice.

Headboards come in a variety of shapes, fixed and removable, hard and soft, combined, with shelves for books and decorative objects, built-in drawers and lighting.

If the bed is pushed against the wall, the backrest can be made of soft wall panels, wood panelling, artificial stone or wallpaper.